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A food additive is any substance intentionally added to food for a specific function (for example to preserve or colour it) that is not normally eaten as a food or used as a characteristic ingredient in food. All food additives, whether they are natural or artificial, must go through rigorous safety assessment and approval procedures, and must comply with European Union (EU) legislation. They are only allowed to be used if experts decide that they are necessary and safe. However, some people can react to certain additives, just as some people react to certain foods that most people can eat without any reaction. People who react to additives normally have asthma or other allergies already. Reactions to additives usually bring on an asthma attack or cause nettle rash (urticaria). Sulphites, benzoates and tartrazine are all types of additives that can cause these symptoms in some people.
Sulphur dioxide (E220) and other sulphites (E221, E222, E223, E224, E226, E227 and E228) are used as preservatives in a wide range of foods, in particular soft drinks, sausages, burgers, and dried fruit and vegetables. Sulphur dioxide is produced naturally when wine and beer are made and it is often added to wine to stop it from continuing to ferment in the bottle. Usually, most of the 'head space' in a bottle of wine (the part of the bottle not filled with wine) is sulphur dioxide. Anyone who has asthma may react to inhaling sulphur dioxide. A very few people with asthma have had an attack after drinking acidic drinks containing sulphites, but this is not thought to be very common. Food labelling rules require pre-packed food sold in the UK, and the rest of the European Union, to show clearly on the label if it contains sulphur dioxide or sulphites at levels above 10mg per kg or per litre (or if one of its ingredients contains it). Bear in mind that there could still be foods on the shelves that were produced before this law was introduced (November 2005).
Benzoic acid (E210) and other benzoates (E211, E212, E213, E214, E215, E216, E217, E218 and E219) are used as food preservatives to prevent yeasts and moulds from growing, most commonly in soft drinks. They occur naturally in fruit and honey. Benzoates could make the symptoms of asthma and eczema worse in children who already have these conditions.
Tartrazine (E102) is a yellow colour used in a range of foods including soft drinks, sweets and sauces. Studies have shown that eating foods or drinks containing tartrazine can cause nettle rash (urticaria), dermatitis (an allergic skin condition), asthma, or rhinitis (runny nose) in a very small number of people. The use of tartrazine has decreased in recent years.
If your child shows signs of hyperactivity or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you should try to avoid giving your child the following artificial colours because this might help improve their behaviour.
Hyperactivity is a general term used to describe behavioural difficulties affecting learning, memory, movement, language, emotional responses and sleep patterns. In the context of this advice, it is when a child is over-active, can’t concentrate and acts on sudden wishes without thinking about alternatives. There is no single test for diagnosing hyperactivity. Experts think it affects 2 to 5% of children in the UK. The figures are higher in the United States. It is important to remember that hyperactivity is also associated with many other factors in addition to additives. These include premature birth, genetics and upbringing. ADHD is more than just hyperactive behaviour. It is linked to a specific pattern of behaviour, including reduced attention span and difficulties concentrating such that they affect the child’s ability to learn and function at home and at school. Children with ADHD often have learning difficulties and behavioural problems.
This advice on food additives and hyperactivity was issued following evaluation by the independent Committee on Toxicity, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), of research commissioned by the Agency. For more information on this study, see the link below. All food additives must go through rigorous safety assessment and approval procedures, and must comply with European Union (EU) legislation. EFSA is reviewing the safety of all food colours that are approved for use in the European Union.